This watercolor depicts the Twenty-Third Publications headquarters in Mystic, CT.
The historic building was built in 1887 by local shipbuilders.

NEW LONDON, CT — Following the conclusion of Vatican Council II, Twenty-Third Publications was founded in 1967. The company’s name and mission were inspired by Pope St. John XXIII’s vision of aggiornamento, a commitment to renewal that would enable the church to better serve the contemporary world by responding to its joys, hopes, griefs and anxieties with a spirit of openness, solidarity and faithfulness.

Twenty-Third’s initial goal was provide support for the laity’s new leadership roles in the Church and the world, and its audience included catechists, parish leaders, and ministers who subscribed to Religion Teacher’s Journal and Today’s Parish magazines.

These two publications led to hundreds of books and audio-visuals that aimed to help ordinary people respond to the extraordinary call to be Catholic leaders in their parishes, homes, and workplaces.

Today, we are part of the Bayard Publishing Group, and continue to respond to the needs of an ever-changing world in relevant ways with practical, pastoral resources. Books, booklets, and parish programs educate and empower parish leaders, including catechists, lay ministers, and pastors. These resources also nourish the spirituality and encourage the faith-lives of all the People of God.

To celebrate this anniversary, we will offer various promotions throughout the year, celebrating the open, life-giving spirit of Saint John XXIII and thanking our loyal customers who have allowed us to participate in their pastoral ministry for half a century.